Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens, it's important to know what to do.
You should contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, depending on the vehicle. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause a lot of anxiety and even trigger unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that happens to everyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The best-case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). But, in reality things can take a darker turn. When you lose your keys, it's essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
It is important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very unusual locations. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. To accomplish this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in common places like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them at a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed anything unusual.
It might seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you have on you including those in jackets and purses and feel around every zippered area. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.
It could be beneficial to go back again and search places where you know they're not like the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost when we reach for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've worked hard all day and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, have pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're retracing your steps, check overly cluttered spaces like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothing items. You could also leave your keys in a congested area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you do this make sure you can access the gas cap from outside your car as a thief could easily see you crouched under your car to hide your keys there.
You can also hide your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.
4. Call the Police
We are prone to lose things when we're distracted. You might be running an easy errand and you've forgotten your keys on the seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry a bag of food items. It happens to everyone.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you will be able to make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is crucial if you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Before you begin, be sure to retrace your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you seen them. It's also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help to ensure your car's security and also stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, in the event that you have an extra car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, several ways you can aid.
Begin by retracing the steps you took and then searching for the locations you believe they may be. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider looking inside the car. lost car key have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take taking a look.
Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. Depending on your situation you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you lose your car keys and it can put a huge downer on your day. You could have been on an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will leave a trail on paper and will help keep other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.
Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid going through the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You could be running a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work, and don't remember where you put them.
Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will blink or ring once you open it to assist you in finding your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other people can help you locate them if you are out of range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by always putting them in the same spot each time you get home. If it's on your entry table or on a hook near the door, making an habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It is essential to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. So you'll be able to rest at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You will likely have go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your car.
To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.